Santa Cruz PD surpasses staffing goal with new hire

SANTA CRUZ &GT;&GT; A 12-year Scotts Valley police officer and U.S. Army veteran has made his new home with the Santa Cruz Police Department.

On Monday, Santa Cruz Police Chief Kevin Vogel swore in officer Scott Freeman, the department's 16th new hire in the past year. Freeman worked in training, investigations and the SWAT team for Scotts Valley and as an agent with the Army's Intelligence branch, said Santa Cruz police Deputy Chief Steve Clark.

"Scott brings a solid resume with a broad range of experience in his 12-plus years," Clark said. "His personality and capabilities are a great compliment to our department."

Freeman's hire brings Santa Cruz's police staffing over its authorized limit by one person, in anticipation of upcoming retirements, Clark said. Even with full staffing, four officers are away at police academy for training, and eight more are off duty due to long-term injuries, Clark said.

Freeman's departure also marks the second officer recently leaving Scotts Valley for Santa Cruz. Officer Jesse Pidcock made the transfer in October, after 13 years with Scotts Valley.